25/09/2001

Campbell welcomes commitment to roads investment

The Regional Development Minister, Gregory Campbell has welcomed the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in the draft Programme for Government.

Mr Campbell was speaking after Economy Minister Sir Reg Empey and Acting Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon outlined the details in the Assembly of a £40 million investment to improve strategic roads in Northern Ireland.

Mr Campbell said: “This announcement specifically prioritises the completion of all parts of the Trans-European Network (TEN) from Larne to the border with the Republic of Ireland.

“I welcome this significant commitment for two reasons. Firstly, it is an acknowledgement of the economic and social benefits that arise from investment in our roads network.

“Secondly, it is strongly supportive of the type of strategic approach that I have advocated, in that we have to earmark significant resources over a prolonged period of time if we are to meet the challenges ahead.”

The minister stressed that the TEN route is only one element of the strategic roads network. He said that there are many key transport corridors in Northern Ireland and that he hoped to secure the necessary resources to improve them.

“As Minister with responsibility for Strategic Planning and Transportation, I have taken every opportunity to draw attention to the serious deficiencies in our roads infrastructure.

“We need to develop an effective, safe and reliable road network and a quality public transport system that can benefit society, provide real transportation choice for those living in both rural and urban communities and help us grow our economy in a sustainable way.” (AMcE)

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